U.S. Begins Airstrikes Against ISIL in Syria

By Claudette Roulo

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2014 - U.S. and partner nation forces have begun
airstrikes inside Syria against terrorists from the Islamic State of Iraq and
the Levant, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Adm. John Kirby said in a statement
today.

The strikes are being undertaken through a mix of fighter and bomber aircraft
and Tomahawk Land Attack missiles, he said.

"Given that these operations are ongoing, we are not in a position to provide
additional details at this time," Kirby noted.

U.S. Central Command has conducted a total of 190 airstrikes across Iraq in
the battle against ISIL forces. The decision to begin the airstrikes in Syria
was made earlier today by Centcom Commander Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, the admiral
said. The strikes are being made under authorization granted by the commander in
chief, President Barack Obama, as part of the comprehensive strategy to degrade
and ultimately destroy ISIL.